National Television Host, Author to Speak and Receive Honorary Doctorate at Northwood University’s Graduation

Written by Lauren D'Avolio

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CEDAR HILL – The keynote speaker and honorary doctorate recipient at this year’s Northwood University commencement is Dennis McCuistion, who serves as the host and executive producer of the McCuistion program, a Donahue style talk show syndicated nationally on PBS.

McCuistion has long served as the moderator at Northwood Texas’ annual Founders’ Day program, among his support of other campus events.

“Mr. McCuistion is a phenomenal moderator who always brings out the best in people,” said Dr. Kevin Fegan, provost of Northwood University’s Texas Campus. “He also believes deeply in Northwood’s mission to develop ethical entrepreneurs who excel in the free market. He’s a man of integrity and achievement.”

McCuistion is a former bank CEO who consults with financial institutions and other businesses on top management issues.  His expertise is not only in speaking but in asking the right questions, giving advice that is always objective and in delving into the causes of problems and the need to apply reason and objectivity.

McCuistion facilitates strategic planning sessions, offers advice on director/CEO issues and serves on boards and audit committees of public and private companies. His keynote speeches are filled with humor and inspiration designed to move audiences to action.  He develops and teaches seminars on banking, economics and free enterprise for financial institutions, corporate clients, conferences, schools and associations across the country.

He graduated third in his class from Forney High School in 1960 and was elected to the Forney Hall of Honor in 2001. He has BBA in banking and finance from Southern Methodist University 1964, and belonged to Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and served as its vice president. He also has a Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University.

Northwood University’s commencement will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 21 at Jesse Owens Memorial Complex, 9191 S. Polk St., inside the Ellis Davis Field House. Tickets are not required.

More about Mr. McCuistion:

Mr. McCuistion is the author of The Prevention and Collection of Problem Loans, and co-author of Selling Strategies for Today’s Banker: a Survival Guide for Tomorrow and The Seven Challenges Facing Bankers in the Future…and How to Meet Them.  He is the host and executive producer of the award winning McCUISTION television program on PBS, syndicated weekly throughout the U.S.  The McCUISTION Program provides an intellectually stimulating and objective forum of ideas, always “Talking About Things That Matter With People Who Care.”

Mr. McCuistion has written three books on the banking industry and hundreds of articles for newspapers, magazines and trade publications.  In addition to his own television program, he has appeared on Fox News, other PBS television programs, and ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates.  Additionally, he is in demand for interviews from various radio talk show hosts throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Mr. McCuistion founded McCuistion & Associates in 1977 following a 20-year career in the commercial banking business.  As a consultant, speaker, teacher and author, Dennis helps develop corporate board of directors into a competitive advantage.  Today most of his assignments involve strategic planning facilitation and providing counsel to top executives and board members of owner-managed companies in addition to serving on small and large publicly traded boards.  As a banker, he learned the ins and outs of financial management and has served as a financial consultant to businesses large and small over the last 30 years.  In some cases he served as a part time CFO, in others he helped to arrange mergers and acquisitions, and in still others he took a temporary full time role in the company when necessary.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills and personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at three full-service, residential campuses located in Southern Florida, mid-Michigan and Northern Texas.  Adult Degree Programs are available in eight states with many course delivery options including online.  The DeVos Graduate School offers full-time, evening and industry specific master’s degree programs for entrepreneurs and executives in Michigan, Texas and Switzerland.  The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center on the Midland, Michigan, campus specializes in creative thinking and innovation development.  International education is offered through terms abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.  Northwood University also operates the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Maine.

50 Years of Enterprise and Ethics

Northwood University is marking its 50-year anniversary.  Founded in 1959, Northwood has grown to a national and international presence and is an influential advocate for free enterprise. Celebrations are planned across the country and around the world to commemorate the vision and success of Northwood University’s founders, Drs. R. Gary Stauffer and Arthur Turner.